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The Church of Norway Apologizes to LGBTQ+ People. A Special Ceremony Planned
The ceremony is intended to be an official reconciliation between the two communities. Fot. Bo Mathisen/Den norske kirke
The Church of Norway apologizes to LGBTQ+ people for years of exclusion and pain. This step is part of the church's long-term evolution in its attitudes toward people of non-heterosexual sexual orientation and gender identity. These changes are the result of decades of work, disputes, and internal reflection among representatives of the Church of Norway.
For many years, the Church of Norway maintained a reserved and sometimes exclusionary stance toward LGBT+ people. However, changes have taken place over the past decades. In the 1990s, the first signs of openness appeared—for example, the reinstatement of clergy member Siri Sunde after she entered into a same-sex partnership, and the acceptance of homosexual individuals into pastoral service.
Officially, since 2017, same-sex marriages have been allowed in the Church, and in 2023, a decision was made that people in same-sex relationships cannot be discriminated against in employment at church institutions.
Officially, since 2017, same-sex marriages have been allowed in the Church, and in 2023, a decision was made that people in same-sex relationships cannot be discriminated against in employment at church institutions.
The Church of Norway Apologizes for Past Wrongs
The Church of Norway is planning a public apology to LGBTQ+ people during an event scheduled for October 16 in Oslo. After an official statement from the church's highest authorities, a solemn evening mass will be held at Oslo Cathedral, attended by church staff, volunteers, and representatives of LGBTQ+ organizations.
The event aims to acknowledge the harm and pain inflicted on LGBTQ+ people in the past, as well as to highlight the Church of Norway's current commitment to building an inclusive and safe space for everyone, regardless of orientation or identity.
The event aims to acknowledge the harm and pain inflicted on LGBTQ+ people in the past, as well as to highlight the Church of Norway's current commitment to building an inclusive and safe space for everyone, regardless of orientation or identity.
The events at London Pub in Oslo and the cathedral will be led by Olav Fykse Tveit, Norway's highest-ranking clergyman.Photo: press materials Den norske kirke
One of the symbolic events in the history of the Church of Norway and its relationship with LGBTQ+ organizations was the Oslo Pride 2023 parade. For the first time in history, the head of the Church of Norway, Olav Fykse Tveit, participated. He admitted at the time that it is the church community that is responsible for creating safe spaces where no one should feel excluded.
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